Moving to Melbourne

Moving to Melbourne? Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in Victoria - a centre for the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, sport and tourism. In this article we've prepared some specific tips on moving to Melbourne and what to expect when you get there.

Moving to Melbourne Specifics

Melbourne, and Victoria, are well known for risk of bushfires. In the wake of such disasters as Black Saturday and Ash Wednesday all Victorian residents should be prepared for fire. It's a wise option to develop a bushfire action plan as soon as possible (or even before) moving in. Know all your escape routes and aware yourself of official danger ratings and warnings.

Melbourne is, almost invariably, subject to water restrictions. Heavy fines can be imposed on those who use drinking water to water lawns, use a garden hose when washing a car, or water their garden outside allocated days and times. The restriction levels do change from time to time, so it's important to see where they stand when you arrive.

The Hook-Turn: Melbourne has developed a unique turning method for the CBD that you should be aware of before you enter the city (to avoid a nasty accident), the 'Hook-Turn'. To allow for through traffic and to avoid impeding trams the hook turn involves turning right from the left lane. Basically you enter the intersection as far left as possible (avoiding foot-traffic crossings) with your right indicator on. Proceed until you have reached the far edge of the road you're turning into. You wait there until the cross-road traffic get their green light before crossing with them.

About Melbourne

While the weather may not be as 'predictable' as most other Australian capitals Melbourne does have plenty going for it. Time after time Melbourne has featured as one of the top cities in the world to live (by the Economist Intelligence Unit) and there's no end of things to keep you occupied;

Melbourne has a very sporting culture hosting many major sporting events annually and with facilities to rival any city in the world:

Rod Laver and Hisense Arena Arena's – home of the Australian Open

The M.C.G. - the home of Australian Cricket and AFL

Flemmington – capital of the Spring Racing Carnival and Melbourne Cup

AAMI Park – home of the Melbourne Victory, Storm and Heart

Albert Park – home of the Australian Grand Prix

Etihad Stadium – AFL and second home to Melbourne Victory

Olympic Park Stadium – Melbourne home to athletics

Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC)

Melbourne is a major hub for the Arts and Culture

Melbourne has a cosmopolitan feel with an abundance of restaurants, nightspots and shopping destinations

Melbourne is a major hub for business in Australia.

Getting To and Around Melbourne

Melbourne is serviced by two major airports, Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Avalon.

Located approximately 25km north-west of the Melbourne's CBD (about 25 minutes drive), Melbourne Airport is Melbourne's largest airport servicing both Domestic and International flights.

Avalon Airport is located approximately 40 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and 15 minutes from Geelong. Avalon services more 'low-cost' airlines.

Both airports are services by taxi, regular shuttle buses and have rental cars available for hire.

If you're moving to Melbourne from Tasmania you can also catch the Spirit of Tasmania, travelling nightly between Devonport (Tasmania) and Melbourne and some days during peak periods. One of the benefits of the Spirit of Tasmania is that you can bring your family car with you relatively inexpensively.